Dons boss explains defender’s first-half withdrawal in Leyton Orient defeat

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says Huseyin Biler was forced off in the 33rd minute during their 1-0 defeat away at Leyton Orient with a suspected hamstring injury.

The 20-year-old has played the full 90 minutes of the last nine outings in League One.

He was replaced by Welsh international Chris Gunter. 

Richie Wellens’ side took the lead in the 64th minute after he drove into the box on the right-hand side and drilled a shot beyond Nik Tzanev.

“It looks like a hamstring,” said the Dons boss.

“Not sure how serious, but he pulled up straight away, holding it. Things just went against us in key moments today.

“Losing Hus early is a blow, and there were a few other moments which could have gone a different way and didn’t.”

The Dons completed three deals on deadline day, bringing in Diallang Jaiyesimi, Kasey McAteer and Aaron Pierre.

Wimbledon also lost Ayoub Assal and four loanees during the winter window.

“We have a lot of depth. We lost some really good players in the window – there is no getting away from it.

“But I’m really happy with the guys that we have brought in and the business that we have done.

“It puts us in a good position in the second half of the season now. I have a squad to utilise. 

“We saw today that Hus Biler had to go off with an injury, so we’re going to need everyone and depth of squad if we want to make a decent push in the second half.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON